Francis was born in 1896 and was recorded on the census of 1901 living with his family at Tilstock, Whitchurch. Head of the household was Francis Starkey (Snr) who was 37 and was an Agicultural Labourer who had been born in Whixall Shropshire. His wife was Lucy Starkey 40 she had also been born in Whixall. Their listed children were Edith 7, Margaret 10 and Francis 5. All had been born in Whixall.

The census of 1911 records the parents living at The Nook, Bronington. Francis (snr) was 46 and still a Farm Labourer. His wife of 29 years, Lucy, was 50. She had given birth to 11 children, 4 of whom had not survived. The only child listed at home on the census form as 7 year old John.

So far it has proved impossible to find our soldier Francis on any 1911 census returns.

UK Soldiers Who Died in the Great war 1914-19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk  confirms all the regimental details on the left of this page. It adds that he enlisted in Whitchurch and this source tells us he was killed in action. His medal Index card, also on Ancestry, lists his 2 medals.  The Register of Soldiers’ Effects in which the army calculated what monies were outstanding for deceased soldiers, lists Francis Starkey. It confirms that he was killed in action  and the sum of £7..1sh..0d was paid to his sole Legatee – his father Francis.

There is an index card for Francis Starkey in The Flintshire Roll of Honour at The County Record Office in Hawarden. It gives the address Nook Lane Bronington and it confirms the regimental details at the top of this page. It was signed by his father Francis Starkey.